Origin of Anomalous Emission in Superdense Glow Discharge

A theory, supported by new experimental data, for recently observed anomalous large pseudospark and back-lighted thyratron cathode emission into a superdense glow discharge is reported. The current density at the cathode surface, ≅ 10 kA/${\mathrm{cm}}^2$, is produced by an ion "beam," extends over a surface area of ≅ 1 ${\mathrm{cm}}^2$, and is orders of magnitude larger than that of heated thermionic cathodes.